Music Employs

Your Path to a Career in Music

Are you a student passionate about music & entertainment, and are you eager to turn your passion into a career? The Stax Music Academy is excited to introduce the Music Employs program, a groundbreaking initiative designed to equip you with the skills and experiences you need to succeed in the music and entertainment industry.

What is the Music Employs Program?

The Music Employs program offers a unique blend of hands-on learning, academic credit, and industry connections. It is designed for aspiring creatives who want to grow in music production, marketing, and branding. Whether you’re a student or a young adult, this program is your gateway to a fulfilling career in music.

Key Benefits of the Music Employs Program:

  • Skill Development: Learn essential skills like marketing & branding, music production, audio engineering, sound design, and performance.
  • Career Readiness: Prepare for immediate job opportunities, internships, and higher education pathways.
  • Academic Integration: Earn valuable academic credits while gaining practical experience.
  • Industry Connections: Network with industry professionals and gain exposure to real-world opportunities.
  • Holistic Development: Receive support in social, emotional, and career readiness.

How to Get Involved:

Grades 5–12 (Stax Music Academy Students)

If you’re in grades 5–12, your journey begins with the Stax Music Academy. Students must be enrolled in the Production Ensemble to participate in the Music Employs program.

Click here for enrollment information. For questions or assistance with applying, contact Corey Martin, Registrar and Recruitment, at corey.martin@soulsvillefoundation.org. 

Adults 

If you’re an adult ready to invest in your future, Music Employs offers hands-on training and real-world experiences to help you build your career.

Program Requirements:

  • Complete an application 
  • Attend all class sessions and maintain consistent attendance
  • Have reliable transportation
  • Must have access to a personal laptop

Classes We Offer

MUSIC BUSINESS

Dates: August 5, 12, 19, and September 9 (Wednesdays only)
Time: 10:00 – 11:00 a.m.
Location: Stax Music Academy
Classroom: The Songlab
Instructor: McKenzii Webster

This interactive Music Business session introduces music employ participants to the real-world mechanics of the music industry, focusing on how artists turn creativity into sustainable careers. Covering key areas like publishing, royalties, branding, distribution, and sync licensing, the session breaks down how money flows through the industry and how artists can position themselves for opportunity. Participants will also gain insight into building a professional team, navigating contracts, and developing strategies to grow their audience and income. Designed to be practical and engaging, this session empowers aspiring music creatives and professionals with the knowledge and tools to move confidently from passion to profession.

MARKETING & BRANDING: “THE BRAND LAB”

Dates:  August 5, 12, 19, & 26 (Wednesdays only)
Time: 2:00-3:00 p.m.
Location: Stax Music Academy
Classroom: The Songlab
Instructors: Jay Sommerville & Leah Provo

This immersive program introduces students to the full creative process of building and promoting a brand—from foundational identity work to campaign launch strategy. Through lectures, discussions, and hands-on workshops, participants will learn to think like brand strategists and creative directors, blending storytelling, design, and marketing to bring ideas to life.

Turn your ideas into a brand that tells a story — and a marketing plan that makes people listen.

In this hands-on, fast-paced intensive, you’ll learn how true creative teams build brands from the ground up. Through this course, you’ll explore what makes a brand memorable, how to shape its voice and visuals, and how to bring it to life through powerful marketing strategies that actually work.

INTRO TO PRODUCTION & DANTE BY AUDINATE 

Dates: August 12-26 / September 2-30 / October 21 (Wednesdays only)
Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m.
Location: Stax Music Academy
Classroom: The Songlab
Instructors: James Douglas

This 8-week course is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in audio production before introducing Audinate’s Dante platform. During the first two weeks, students will focus on the fundamentals and basics of audio production, ensuring they have the essential knowledge needed to successfully understand and apply Dante concepts. The remaining eight weeks provide a deep dive into Dante by Audinate through hands-on learning and real-world applications.

Participants will receive a comprehensive introduction to Audinate’s Dante platform, combining foundational audio-visual knowledge with practical networking skills. The curriculum covers the core concepts of digital audio and video, an overview of Dante-enabled hardware and software, and hands-on configuration using Dante Controller.

Students will also gain an understanding of essential networking principles such as MAC and IP addressing, network topologies, and latency management, all within the context of real-world Dante applications. The training is designed to build confidence in designing, installing, and troubleshooting single-switch Dante networks.

This certification is ideal for students, AV technicians, system integrators, and IT professionals who are new to Dante or looking to strengthen their existing knowledge. It serves as a strong foundation for working with one of the industry’s leading AV-over-IP platforms.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you’re ready to embark on a rewarding career in music, the Music Employs program is your opportunity to gain hands-on experience, build your skills, and connect with industry professionals.

Join us and unlock your full potential.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY

For more information or to apply, please contact terrilyn.douglas@soulsvillefoundation.org

Office: 901.946.2535